Jayant Patel, an Indian-origin physician whose name became synonymous with the 'Doctor Death' scandal in Australia, has resurfaced in the United States, attempting to leave his controversial past behind. The disgraced surgeon, who was convicted and jailed for manslaughter before his convictions were overturned, was tracked down by an Australian journalist in Portland, Oregon, where he now resides.
The Controversial Past: From 'Doctor Death' to Prison
During his tenure at Bundaberg Base Hospital in Queensland in the early 2000s, Jayant Patel faced severe allegations of medical malpractice. The surgeon earned the notorious nickname 'Doctor Death' following numerous complaints about dangerous surgeries, misdiagnoses, unnecessary procedures, and failures in hygiene and post-operative care. This period was marked by a significant number of patient deaths and poor medical outcomes directly linked to his actions.
The legal consequences culminated in 2010 when a Queensland jury found Patel guilty of three counts of manslaughter and one count of grievous bodily harm concerning patients under his care. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison for these crimes. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the High Court of Australia later overturned these convictions.
Legal Aftermath and Return to America
Although cleared of the most serious charges, Patel's legal troubles continued. In 2013, he pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud for misleading authorities to obtain medical registration and employment in Queensland. For these offenses, he received a suspended sentence of two years. The final blow to his medical career in Australia came in May 2015, when the Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal permanently banned him from practising medicine in the country.
Patel, who was born in India and studied medicine there and in the US, holds American citizenship. His return to the United States in 2015 marked the beginning of his attempt to rebuild his life away from the intense media scrutiny and legal battles he faced in Australia.
Moving On: A New Chapter in Portland
In a recent video posted by The Australian, journalist Ellie Dudley confronted Patel about his past. When asked to discuss the events in Bundaberg, Patel responded dismissively, stating, "It was ages ago. I completely forgot about it and I'm beyond that. That's done. That's history." He further emphasized his current state of mind, adding, "I don’t react to stupid criticisms, I’m moved on with my life. I’m fine."
This interaction reveals a man determined to distance himself from a chapter that brought him international notoriety. Despite his controversial history in the medical field, which also included disciplinary issues during his previous practice in New York and Oregon, Patel has managed to relocate and start anew in Portland, leaving the 'Doctor Death' saga behind him in Australia.
